How much does a commercial film cost? Price guide 2026

A commercial film costs between 40,000 and 500,000 SEK to produce — depending on format, length, number of shooting days and the complexity of post-production. Multiproduktion has produced 200+ films since 2011 and offers here an honest breakdown of what affects the price, what you get for your money and how to optimise your budget without compromising on quality.

What affects the price of a commercial film?

Five factors determine the final cost:

1. Concept complexity — A simple product demo requires less planning and fewer resources than a storytelling-based campaign film with actors and multiple locations.

2. Running time and number of versions — A 15-second social media clip costs considerably less than a 60-second TV commercial. If you need multiple versions (16:9, 9:16, 1:1), post-production work increases.

3. Number of shooting days — Every shooting day involves costs for team, equipment, hire and logistics. A simpler production can be completed in half a day, while a large-scale campaign may require 3–5 days.

4. Actors and participants — Professional actors cost 5,000–25,000 SEK per day. Extras, models and voice-over artists are additional. Using your own employees reduces the cost.

5. Scope of post-production — Basic editing, colour grading and simple audio mixing are always included. Advanced graphics, animation, VFX and licensed music increase the price.

Price ranges by format

Format	Price range	Typical length
Social media clip (TikTok, Reels)	40,000 – 80,000 SEK	15–30 sec
YouTube ad	60,000 – 150,000 SEK	30–60 sec
Web ad / branded content	80,000 – 200,000 SEK	30–90 sec
TV commercial	150,000 – 500,000 SEK	20–30 sec
Campaign package (3–5 films)	120,000 – 400,000 SEK	Varies

The prices above are guidelines based on our experience of 200+ productions. Every project is unique — contact us for a quote based on your specific needs.

Animated vs live-action commercial — cost differences

An animated commercial (motion graphics or 2D animation) often costs 30,000–150,000 SEK and has some budgetary advantages: no locations, no actors and the ability to easily update the content afterwards.

A live-action commercial costs more to produce but delivers an authentic, emotional experience that is difficult to replicate with animation. According to Wyzowl (2024), 66 percent of consumers prefer to see a real person in a commercial over animated characters.

Often the two are combined — live-action footage with animated overlay elements — for the best effect. Learn more about animation and what it costs on our service page.

What is included in the price?

A professional commercial film production includes:

• Concept development — Idea, script and storyboard
• Pre-production — Planning, location scouting, casting
• Filming — Director, camera team, lighting, sound
• Post-production — Editing, colour grading, audio mix, graphics
• Delivery — All agreed formats and versions

Some production companies charge separately for each stage — with us, the entire production process is included in the quote. No hidden costs.

How do you save money without compromising on quality?

Five concrete tips from our experience:

1. Plan multiple films at the same time — Producing a campaign package with 3–5 films on the same shooting day is considerably cheaper per film than producing them separately.

2. Use your own employees as participants — Actor costs can account for 15–20 percent of the budget. Authentic employees also often make a more credible impression.

3. Choose a clear brief — Unclear goals lead to more revision rounds. A well-prepared brief saves time and money at every stage.

4. Prioritise one format — Instead of filming for TV, web and social media simultaneously, start with one channel and adapt in post-production.

5. Work with a full-service company — Coordinating freelancers costs time and money. A company that manages the entire chain, like Multiproduktion, eliminates intermediaries and communication losses.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum budget for a professional commercial film?

The absolute minimum for a professional commercial film is SEK 40,000–60,000 (approximately €3,500–5,500). Below that threshold, it becomes difficult to ensure professional lighting, sound and post-production. It is possible to produce cheaper, but the result risks looking amateurish and can damage your brand more than it helps.

Does the price include scriptwriting and concept development?

It depends on the production package. Multiproduktion's standard packages always include an initial concept meeting and scriptwriting. For more extensive creative work — campaign concepts, storyboards and advanced concept development — a separate pre-production fee applies, typically SEK 10,000–30,000.

What is the most common reason budgets are exceeded?

Changes to the script or concept after filming has begun. Every change in production costs 3–5 times more than if the same change had been made in the planning phase. We always recommend fully approving the script and storyboard before the camera turns on.

How long should a commercial film be for social media versus TV?

For social media, 15–30 seconds works best for paid ads — attention drops dramatically after the first three seconds. For organic content, 60–90 seconds is optimal. For TV, 20 and 30 seconds are industry standard. We always produce a long version for the website and shorter cut-downs for each channel.